THE EVOLUTION OF TRANSPORTATION PLANNING IN TEXAS

The history of transportation planning in Texas is briefly reviewed. Until the department of transportation was more formalized, the planning department was involved in data collection and map development. Investment of local governments in transportation planning was formalized in the 1960s with the passage of the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1962. The Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1973 and the changes it initiated are noted. The difficulties that arose with the joint planning regulations generated by the Federal Highway Administration and the Urban Mass Transportation Administration to implement the 1973 Act are noted. Agencies became polarized and had to redefine their roles in the transportation planning process. The array of structures of the Metropolitan Planning Organizations are also noted. Transportation planning has until recently, been primarily long-range. Balanced long-range and short-range planning is discussed. It is important for time frames to be coordinated with funding, and there must be alternative plans and plan flexibility that will fit project funding. It is emphasized that implementing agencies responsible for deciding the most appropriate strategies must perform the selection and staging of projects for the programming process.